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Architect Urban Designers Contest overview

introduction:

Horton Plaza is one landmark that is not short on history. Dating back to c.1870, the plaza has been home to diverse and changing landscapes including today’s heavily developed urban environment. The plaza has undergone design after design after design; even landscape architect Lawrence Halprin tried to lend his creative hand in designing the plaza for the City of San Diego. But alas, the plaza today seems to be little more than another typical block that pedestrians have to cross to get to their destination. The plaza is now being occupied by a vacant building, vagrants, and a fenced off fountain, while its historic landmarks are all but forgotten. This terminal condition of the plaza will not last much longer. Horton Plaza is currently undergoing a major re-design effort by the City of San Diego. This change will be no small task. Horton Plaza will expand to more than double its current size with the demolition of the nearby Robinsons-May building. This re-design has the chance to change the historic plaza forever. Within the context of this urban environment Horton Plaza has the possibility to become home to some of San Diego’s greatest urban spaces. This open ideas design competition gives designers the freedom to create pedestrian and market spaces, re-envisioned water features, planting designs, special events staging grounds or anything that their creativity can envision. Ultimately, the goal of this competition is to encourage critical design approaches and public debate around a vitally important urban space in the heart of Downtown San Diego during a pivotal time in its history.

acknowledgements:

Environmental Forms would like to thank all of the competitions sponsors and judges for their dedication and time commitment. Through their efforts this competition has developed into a creative public outlet where students, professionals, and the public can have their ideas heard.

the site

site description:

The site is comprised of two parcels of land as depicted on the attached Map of Plaza Property (Exhibit “A”). One is currently occupied by the partially vacant former Robinsons-May building. The other contiguous site is the existing historic Horton Park. The total combined sites are approximately 1.3 acres in area, bounded by Broadway to the north; Fourth Avenue to the east; the existing Bradley Building (to be retained) and Broadway Circle to the west; and E-Street to the south (pedestrian promenade – closed to vehicular traffic). More specifically, the site is comprised of two legal parcels:

A. Historic Horton Park and fountain at Broadway street level. Approximately 20,000 square feet; and

B. Partially vacant Robinsons-May building parcel, generally at the level of E Street, approximately 10 feet below the Horton Park grade. Approximately 37,000 square feet. The existing site topography affords the opportunity to create a unique multi-level space which may facilitate integrated stepped seating for outdoor performance area. The existing Bradley Building (Citibank) will remain immediately adjacent to the west boundary.



Because this is an open ideas competition, each entry will be expected to interpret programmatic need within the given urban context to create a dynamic and iconic public space in San Diego.

special conditions:

The site has two unique parcels that will be developed jointly as one individual project. Consideration to the public right of way and traffic surrounding the site should be evaluated. Additionally with the demolition of the Robinsons-May building there is new opportunity to create a new gateway into the Horton Plaza mall. Designers should consider the relationships of the surrounding areas and how they relate to the site.

available research

registration material:

After successful registration entrants will have an individual ShareFile account setup, where they will have access to materials including: satellite photographs, parcel maps, historical narratives, and site photographs. Teams will also be able to use the ShareFile account for the duration of the competition to store data, and collaborate with other team members. Each ShareFile account will be specific to each team / entrant. Teams will not be given access to other team or entrant material.

photography:

Below are some photographs to help give you an experience of the site. Additional photographs will be available to entrants in their online account made possible by ShareFile. Teams will have complete access to an individual account for the duration of the competition.

Architect Urban Designers Contest Program

objectives:

The revision of Horton Plaza shall be designed to take advantage of the Park’s relationship to Broadway, the adjacent Westfield Horton Plaza Retail Center, the historic Balboa Theatre and the historic U.S. Grant Hotel. The overall concept should evoke a setting that allows an active and vibrant program of daily and weekly events that will attract residents and visitors as the place to be or be seen in San Diego. The resulting design should also be a model of urban sustainability for others cities to emulate.

The primary objective for the Plaza improvements is to create a memorable space that will draw inspiration from the unique characteristics of the San Diego region and transform these elements into a special place, celebrating the city. The Plaza Improvements are envisaged to be the dynamic, active public heart of the city and a true community gathering place. Additionally, improvements to the Park shall enhance the celebratory character of the historic park, reinstate the iconic status of what traditionally has been considered the “center” of downtown and develop programming that will activate the space. The Plaza Improvements should be easily accessible and have good circulation throughout the space. The urban plaza should be memorable and iconic.

Architect Urban Designers Contest Structure:

This open ideas design competition is designed to solicit ideas for the re-design of Horton Plaza. All design ideas will be considered and reviewed by an open panel.


Due to popular demand, standard registration period has been extended to September 11, 2011!

website: http://www.envforms.com/?q=content/horton-plaza-v30-0